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Where's the Oil in a 13.5k Kohler genset with a 3 cyl Yanmar diesel?

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by FIQ, Apr 13, 2016.

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  1. FIQ, Apr 13, 2016
    #1
    FIQ

    FIQ Member

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    I recently purchased a 1996 Navigator 53 Pilothouse.
    During the process of doing the maintenance, it was time to change the oil and filter on the 13.5k Kohler genset with a 3 cyl Yanmar diesel.
    I warmed it up, shut it off, then took the cap off of the factory installed drain hose.
    No oil. none in the hose, or apparently, in the pan!
    I checked the dipstick, and it showed on the full mark.
    Blew into the hose, but nothing.
    Removed the hose, thinking that it might be plugged.
    It was clear, and still the oil wasn't draining.
    I then inserted a screwdriver into the pan and it came up against something metal.

    During my lifetime, I have changed the oil on cars, trucks, logging equipment, and even a locomotive, but I
    never run into this!!

    Anybody have any ideas, short of removing the pan?

    Thanks!
  2. K1W1, Apr 13, 2016
    #2
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    I know a guy who told me he once stuck the drain plug in a small engine from the inside as he did not like the Owner.
  3. Pascal, Apr 13, 2016
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Could the fitting where the hose is attached to the pan serves as a stay shut off valve? Usually the valve is mounted close to the drain but accetable, in this case it's possible that you have some twist off drain that needs to be open
  4. FIQ, Apr 13, 2016
    #4
    FIQ

    FIQ Member

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    I read the owners manual and it says to just remove the end cap on the hose or to put a pump on it.
    A twist valve does make sense though. Perhaps the author of the manaual neglected to mention that.
    It seems unusual the there would only be a cap on the end of the hose.
    I'll try it this afternoon after work.
    Thanks!
  5. Maxwell, Apr 13, 2016
    #5
    Maxwell

    Maxwell Senior Member

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    FWIW, There is a twist valve on my Kohler 8EOZ located near where the hose is attached as Pascal suggested.
  6. dennismc, Apr 13, 2016
    #6
    dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

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    Yep my Kohler 20 kw ( Yanmar) has a valve but my 20 Onan ( Kuboto) does not
  7. Capt J, Apr 14, 2016
    #7
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes there is a valve right in front of where the hose attaches, it is painted white like the rest of the generator and you have to turn it 90 degrees. If the generator is high enough to get a drain pan under the hose, no pump needed, it will all gravity drain out of it fast.
  8. FIQ, Apr 14, 2016
    #8
    FIQ

    FIQ Member

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    Wh00 Hoo! It works! I feel better knowing that I don't have to depend on a hose and cap to keep the oil where it needs to be.

    I think that I will be writing in the margin in the genset manual!
    Thanks everybody
  9. g collis, Apr 15, 2016
    #9
    g collis

    g collis Member

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    That's a good one.
  10. g collis, Apr 15, 2016
    #10
    g collis

    g collis Member

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    Surprised to hear that boat doesn't have an oil transfer system. Or does it; just not part of the transfer system?
  11. chesapeake46, Apr 22, 2016
    #11
    chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    That an evil one.